Indian Brass Oil Lamp

Note a scratched, shallow bowl on a tall smooth cone of a stand.

This brass, copper and alloy oil lamp is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Many traditional lamps use ghee or vegetable oil as fuel, and the cotton wick draws the oil upward by capillary action to feed the flame. Overall, a round, open dish with a thin rolled rim rests on a smooth conical pedestal and a stepped foot with fine rings. Fine scratches cover the interior, and dark residue gathers on the stem and rim. It is 2.25 inches high and 2.5 in diameter.

Shiny where it counts and well scratched where it matters.